What is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that was passed in 1996 to protect the rights of people to keep and access their medical records. The law was designed to give the public the ability to access certain kinds of personal health information when needed. HIPAA is implemented in Massachusetts and many other states across the U.S. to protect the security and privacy of individuals’ medical records and health information. Under this law, certain requirements must be followed by organizations and individuals who handle electronic and paper medical records and health information. The law requires that medical records be stored securely and properly maintained, that access to health information is strictly limited to authorized personnel, that patient privacy is respected, and that proper procedures be followed for the safe disposal of records. In addition, HIPAA requires that health care providers and insurance companies not disclose or make public any personal health information without the patient’s written authorization. Under HIPAA, a patient has the right to access and review their medical records and make corrections to them if necessary. They also have the right to seek legal action if their medical records are accessed, used or disclosed without their authorization. HIPAA safeguards the privacy and security of personal health information and helps to ensure that the public can access to their personal medical records when they need to.

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What is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

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